Eucharistic congress off limits to ‘epal’ pols

MANILA, Philippines - The International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) to be held in Cebu next year is off limits to political campaigning.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, IEC local committee president, yesterday said everyone is welcome to attend the IEC on Jan. 24 to 31, but “epal” or attention grabber politicians are discouraged from turning the religious activity into a political venue.

“This is a Eucharistic congress …a Eucharistic celebration…We rule out the participation of politicians,” said Palma.

“Politicians would not be allowed to speak. If they attend, they attend like any private person,” he added.

Palma said politicians are also barred from handing out fliers during the event.

He said the event is expected to draw around 15,000 participants and up to a million people to attend the the final mass. 

It would be the second time that the Philippines will host the IEC.